Handling of Alvarez Machain

A few thoughts on the Camerena/Alvarez Machain case.

I don’t think anyone could total the money we have spent on the War on Drugs, but I would venture to say that no other program has been allocated so much with so little results. The only explanation, since money is power, is that it is not so much a war as a power grab. We know that power is as addictive as any drug, therefore I think a little friendly advice to drug enforcement officials is warranted.

You say you want to hire some thugs to kidnap a foreign national and bring him into the country, circumventing extradition treaties? Just say no!

You say you want to waste even more taxpayer money by bringing this man to trial, without the benefit of prima facie evidence? Just say no!

You say you want to seize private property without the constitutional guarantee of due process of law? Just say no!

With the dawning of a new era, perhaps it’s time to rethink our drug policy, and how much power we give to those who enforce it. There must be something wrong when conservative courts say the line has been crossed.

We must also understand that “users” are victims, not criminals. You help these people with treatment, not exacerbating their trouble with hard time.

JEFFERY W. HERMAN

Tujunga